Hukarere Girls’ College is one of only two Mihinare — Māori Anglican — schools in the world. Our school exists within the life of Te Hāhi Mihinare, the Māori Anglican Church, and within the authority and mission of Te Pīhopatanga o Aotearoa. Our College operates as a state-integrated school, with its Special Character protected through an Integration Agreement between the Crown and the Proprietor.

Hukarere was founded in 1875 as a school for Māori girls and was incorporated within the authority of the Te Aute Trust by Act of Parliament in 1892. From our beginning on Mataruahou (Hospital Hill) in Napier, to our Esk Valley home which was destroyed in Cyclone Gabrielle, through to our location today in modern and prominent buildings in Havelock North — Hukarere has been a place where faith, identity, and learning are woven together. The school motto, Kia Ū Ki Te Pai – “Cleave to that which is good” — comes from Romans 12:9 and has guided the kura across generations.

At all times our College operates so as to maintain and preserve our Special Character. Our tīpuna encountered the Gospel, recognised its truth, and drew it deeply into the life of their communities. At Hukarere, that inheritance shapes everything. Māori language, customs and traditions are central to the life of the school. Spiritual formation is fostered through Māori spiritual values and tikanga, and through a commitment to the life and teachings of Jesus Christ.  Students participate in the worshipping life of Te Hāhi Mihinare through daily karakia, regular chapel, and the Eucharist.

The Proprietor of the College is the Te Aute Trust Board, whose members are appointed by the General Synod of the Anglican Church in Aotearoa, New Zealand and Polynesia. The Special Character of Hukarere is determined by the Trustees of Te Aute Trust Board jointly in Special Session with the Bishop of Aotearoa and the Bishop of Tai Rawhiti of Te Hāhi Mihinare.

Te Oranga Ake o te Iwi, o te Ao — the flourishing of life for the people and the world.

Please feel free to read our Special Character Q&A Document for more information.